Ethics in Early Childhood Education

What does Ethics have to do with Early Childhood Education?  I believe that it is very important as a professional to act in a way that reflects positively on ourselves and our profession.  The NAEYC Code of Ethical Coduct provides guidance for early care and educational professionals and defines what appropriate behavior is when working with children, families, colleagues and society.  The following ideals are very meaningful to me...

To be familar with the knowledge base of early childhood care and education and to stay informed through continuing education and training.   Being an educator, I obviously value education and I think it is important to continue my own learning and remain open minded to new ideas and information.   Taking classes now to obtain my Master's Degree,  I enjoy learning more and find myself inspired by the passion of others working in the field.  In addition, as a trainer for early care and education programs, I enjoy sharing ideas and encouraging others to do the same.  

To create and maintain safe and healthy settings that foster children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development and that respect their dignity and their contributions.  I am amazed by the qualities that young children possess...including their natural curiosity and innocence.  I believe for this reason protecting children in a safe envrionment that is respectful of them is the first and most important job of any early care and education professional.  In my work as a STARS Manager for Pennsylvania's quality initiative for early care and education, I support program in their efforts to provide quality environments for young children.  

To support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets with needs of children with and without disabilities.   I believe children should enjoy learning and that play is the vehicle by which young children learn the best.  I encourage other early care educators to support play and learning through play in their work.  

To develop relationships of mutual trust and create partnerships with the families we serve.  The most important people in a child's life are the people who make up their family.  Working in child care and Head Start I always valued the input of families, but once I became a mom, it gave me a whole new perspective of how important it is to involve parents.  

To establish and maintain relationships of respect, trust, confidentiality, collaboration and cooperation with co-workers.  It is essential that co-workers maintain a working relationship that benefits the children.  Obviously when people work together,  there are times when personalities clash, but part of being a professional is being  able to put  personal  feelings aside and  doing  what  is  right for the children and  putting  their  needs  first.  I have  worked  collaboratively as  a part of various  teams.  At times I have voiced my concerns when I feel that something is not in the best interest of the children but I have strived to maintain professional relationships that are part of a nuturing environment for young children.